Husband Charged with First-Degree Murder will Face a Judge Today

An Opelousas man charged with the first-degree murder of his wife will go before a judge today.

Hank Moran, 44, is being held without bond in the St. Landry Parish Jail. His wife, Constance, was found stabbed to death Tuesday morning.

"Everybody is shocked," said neighbor Melvin Richard. "Sometimes there were some disagreements going on over there, but I didn't think it would escalate to this because they were very friendly people--very kind people."

Opelousas police first responded to the 1200 Block of South Railroad Avenue around 5:30 A. M. Tuesday. Investigators say they found the victim standing outside the home.

"Contance Moran met the officers on the outside of the residence, indicating that her husband was possibly still in the residence . . . and that he choked her [while] they were arguing over finances," said Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow.

Police walked through the home. Hank Moran was not inside.

They say the victim didn't want to leave her home, so police told her to lock the doors. Detectives say Moran returned to the home while they were out searching for the suspect.

When officers got the scene, the back door was still ajar. Police say Hank Moran was still standing over his wife with a knife in his hand.

Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow says the victim was stabbed 14 times with a small pocket knife. Police say Moran attempted to swallow a handful of pills while being arrested.

"This was a tragedy. Mr. Moran, Hank Moran, showed absolutely no remorse for what had just taken place," said Gallow.

Opelousas Police tell us the suspect said, "I bet you she will listen to me now."